The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially introduced four major initiatives totalling over €105 million (more than $120 million), signaling a renewed effort to bolster regional cooperation, institutional effectiveness, and economic development across West Africa.
These projects, fully funded by the European Union, are strategically designed to address key development challenges within the region. The programmes will focus on four priority areas: enhancing peace and democratic governance, strengthening the institutional capacity of ECOWAS institutions, improving the competitiveness of regional trade, and advancing service sector exports in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking at the launch event held in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray expressed deep appreciation for the EU, Germany, and Spain, acknowledging their long-standing and consistent partnership. He emphasized that these collaborative efforts underscore ECOWAS’s enduring commitment to sustainable development, regional stability, and inclusive governance that places citizens at the center of progress.
“We are committed to building a peaceful and prosperous West Africa,” Touray said. “These projects represent not just financial investment but a shared vision for the future of our region—one rooted in cooperation, accountability, and development that responds directly to the needs of our people.”
The launch ceremony brought together high-ranking representatives from ECOWAS member states, the European Union, and the governments of Germany and Spain. Also in attendance were officials from key implementing agencies, including Germany’s international development agency GIZ, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the French public agency Expertise France, and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). Each organization plays a vital role in operationalizing the newly launched programmes across various sectors and countries within the ECOWAS region.
Since its founding on May 28, 1975, ECOWAS has served as a platform for regional integration and collaboration among West African nations. The bloc has become a cornerstone of stability and development in the region, promoting cross-border trade, financial cooperation, political dialogue, and joint security efforts.
These new initiatives are expected to not only deepen intra-regional ties but also equip ECOWAS institutions with the tools and resources necessary to respond more effectively to emerging challenges. By aligning development efforts with the broader continental agenda of the AfCFTA, ECOWAS aims to position West Africa as a dynamic and integrated economic hub.
The launch marks a significant step forward in ECOWAS’s mission to build a peaceful, economically resilient, and inclusive region driven by shared values and collaborative action.